The 3-1 victory over Pachuca at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 ™ on the morning of June 23 helped Xabi Alonso have a smooth start as the Real Madrid coach, but the hard performance in the burning sun of North Carolina asked more questions than the answer.
 |
|
Jude Bellingham scored in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca. |
In the 28th minute, in a significant moment reflecting the pressure on Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham poured his wrath on Arda Guler after the situation to lose the ball. It was not only a scolding phase, but a manifestation of the collective that was wobbly – playing lacking people, overwhelming Pachuca, and almost lost control.
Positive imprint
Pachuca – the team only ranked 8th in the Mexican league last season – suddenly became an opponent on the basis, when Raul Asencio received a red card very early after a foul on Salomon Rondon. Goalkeeper Courtois continuously saved, the Real Madrid defense was disturbed, and the higher levels were lacking in cohesion. Alonso probably had to ask himself: Is this a team that gradually stepped to the top of Europe?
But as the bravery of the champions, Real Madrid turned the situation in a snap. After the Cooling-Break, Bellingham-from the hot floating person to the deadlocked man-coordinated smoothly with Fran Garcia and then finished dangerously with his left foot.
Shortly after, Arda Guler’s turn paid faith with a goal to raise the score to 2-0, after the Standard Standard of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the delicate ball release line of Gonzalo Garcia.
The most notable story is not in the score, but in two names: Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler. One is the leader, the other is the talent in full bloom.
Bellingham growled, shouted, and then scored again. Guler was reprimanded, then calmly answered with a cold shot. Those collisions, with Alonso, not ominous – but an opportunity. The opportunity to understand who is the leader, who needs to be protected, who will make a gameplay.
 |
|
Arda Guler also shone on the day Real Madrid won the first in the United States. |
Xabi Alonso understands that Real Madrid is not the team of “moderate” players. He needs to learn to live with the ego of Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius … and find the common rhythm for this personality symphony orchestra.
Before the match, Alonso once described Guler as the player “the more the ball touched the ball.” That was true. But more importantly, Alonso will have to make sure Guler has enough space to develop without being extinguished by Bellingham anger.
Another positive impression in the victory over Pachuca is the prominent form of Trent Alexander-Arnold. After the skeptical debut against Al-Hilal, the British defender played extremely confidently, often bound into the middle, regulating the beat and launching dangerous passes. The clearing of the Guler is the most obvious evidence. When replaced in the 78th minute, the applause from the Madrid stands is a worthy reward.
Three points, one victory, many worries
Despite winning 3-1, Real Madrid let Pachuca launch 25 shots, including 11 times. If there is no Courtois in the wooden frame, the match can completely turn in the other. The enemy to shorten the ratio in the 80th minute is a clear awakening scene of the focus and fitness of “Los Blancos”.
Also remember, this is Bellingham’s 61st match in the 2024/25 season – a crazy number. Other pillars such as Mbappe, Camavinga, Milit Loi, Mendy have not returned. This adventure has just begun, but Alonso felt the physical limits of the stars under his hand.
 |
|
Xabi Alonso has many problems to solve. |
Even small details reflect the inadequacy: Madrid players are required to keep the jacket in the pitch, between the heat of nearly 40 degrees. And indeed, they entered as if they were wearing a real, sluggish, lacking coat, and then almost punished soon.
The first victory is necessary, but not enough. Real Madrid is still in the assembly stage under Alonso. The patience of the audience can last – the same way they queue for hours in the sun in Charlotte to buy tickets to see the team they love. But with a team like Madrid, that patience will not last forever.
Xabi Alonso understands that. And now, he needed to quickly find the formula for Real Madrid to play as they himself – not only won, but convincingly won.
Watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025 ™ live and only in Vietnam on FPT Play, at http://fptplay.vn
